Use of glyceryl trinitrate for treating traumatic edema

ABSTRACT

Use of glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) for treating traumatic edemas.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is the national phase under 35 U.S.C. §371 of International Application No. PCT/EP2011/003890, filed on Aug. 3, 2011, which claims priority to and the benefit of German Application No. 10 2010 033 182.1, filed on Aug. 3, 2010, the entire disclosures of each of which are incorporated by reference herein.

The present invention relates to the use of glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) for treating traumatic edema.

According to the present application the term “traumatic edema” is understood to mean the temporary occurrence of swelling conditions following bone fractures, contusions, sprains, dislocations, and burns. The traumatic edema is characterized by an instantaneous manifestation of the edema at the position of the trauma. It is caused by the rupturing of small lymph and blood vessels, which is discernible in the frequently concomitant hematoma. Often, traumatic edemas spontaneously disappear after a period of days to weeks. It is important to rapidly reduce traumatic edema in order alleviate pain, decrease complications of edema, and restore fitness for work. In addition, for bone fractures a required surgical procedure cannot be performed until swelling subsides at the fracture site.

Traumatic edema must be differentiated from posttraumatic, secondary lymphedemas, which are caused solely by a malfunction of the lymphatic system. They result from severe trauma with ruptures of great lymph channels or from the removal of lymphatic vessels caused by cancer surgeries. Furthermore, secondary lymphedema can result from radiation, chronic recurring inflammation of lymph channels or, in the tropic hemisphere, by parasitic diseases of the lymphatic system by filariae. Secondary posttraumatic lymphedemas heal only very slowly or not at all. Generally, lymph edemas display a normal skin colour and can easily be diagnosed.

During the healing phases of the hematomas accompanying the traumatic edemas, various skin discolorations occur due to breakdown of blood residues by the body. A distinction may be made among the following phases:

-   1. Red: Bursting of the capillaries, discharge of blood into the     tissue -   2. Dark reddish-blue: Blood clotting -   3. Brownish-black: Enzymatic breakdown of hemoglobin to form     choleglobin/verdoglobin -   4. Dark green: Enzymatic breakdown of hemoglobin to form biliverdin -   5. Yellowish-brown: Enzymatic breakdown of hemoglobin to form     bilirubin

Traumatic edema is currently treated by manual lymph drainage, compression, cooling, and elevation.

Glyceryl trinitrate (nitroglycerin), abbreviated below as GTN, is an active substance used for the treatment of angina pectoris, among other conditions. It is primarily used in emergency situations in the form of chewable capsules or as a sublingual spray, with the active substance penetrating the oral mucosa. Sublingual sprays are commercially marketed as propellant sprays and as pump sprays. Spray compositions containing propellants are disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 3,155,574, European patent application EP 0 461 505, and German unexamined patent application DE 32 460 81. Propellant-free compositions containing GTN are described in European patent applications EP 0 448 961 and EP 0 471 161.

In addition, the effectiveness of transdermally administered GTN for treating Achilles tendinopathy is known. Paolini et al. (Paolini et al., The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, Volume 86/A, No. 5, 2004) report on the successful treatment of chronic noninsertional Achilles tendinopathy by topical administration of GTN. Gary J. McCleane describes in Pain Management: Expanding the Pharmacological Options (Wiley-Blackwell, 2008, Chapter 4) and in Clinical Management of Bone and Joint Pain (The Haworth Press, 2007, Chapter 5) the effective treatment of pain associated with various diseases of the musculoskeletal system, for example supraspinatus, extensor tendonitis, or osteoarthritis, by topical administration of GTN. Agrawal et al. (Agrawal et al., Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice, 77 (2007) 161-167) reports on the successful use of topically applied GTN for treating painful diabetic neuropathy. U.S. Pat. No. 5,698,589 discloses the effectiveness of topically applied GTN for treating male erectile dysfunction and female anorgasmia, and for assisting in wound healing of cuts. International patent application WO 2004/064779 reports on the treatment of nocturnal muscle cramps by topically applying GTN to the affected sites. Lastly, it is known from international patent application WO 01/43735 that topically applied GTN assists in the healing process of anal fissures.

Surprisingly, it has been found that topically applied GTN greatly accelerates the healing of traumatic edema. Traumatic edemas involved the temporary occurrence of swelling conditions following bone fractures, contusions, sprains, dislocations, impacts, blows or falls. In addition, traumatic edemas are characterized by closed or unbroken skin.

The composition used according to the invention contains GTN in addition to at least one excipient such as a solvent or a solid carrier, for example. The composition may optionally contain further excipients, for example penetration accelerators which promote transfer of the active substance into the damaged tissue, and preservatives and antioxidants which are able to prolong the shelf life of the composition, or, in the case of an aerosol or non-pump spray formulation, propellants which facilitate the application of the active substance.

Within the meaning of the invention, particularly suitable compositions are sprays which may be formulated as a propellant spray as well as propellant-free in the form of a pump spray. The compositions conveniently ensure the uniform application of a homogeneous active substance film to the affected sites on the skin. Gels or ointments, as well as transdermal systems such as patches, are also suitable.

The composition used is preferably topically applied to the affected areas of the skin.

It has been shown that single or multiple administration of a dose of 1.2 to 6 mg GTN on the day of injury, followed by daily application of 0.8 to 1.6 mg GTN, reduces and/or prevents the typical swelling and darkening of the affected skin sites and results in rapid healing of the injury. The detumescence of the swelling associated with a traumatic edema is accelerated; instead of darkening of the skin, the healing occurs with a green, followed by a yellow, coloration of the affected skin area. It has been determined that the individual healing phases are significantly shortened, and the overall healing period for the treated edemas is reduced by one-half, compared to an untreated edema.

Within the meaning of the invention, preferred GTN-containing propellant sprays contain, for 100 mg of the overall composition, 0.2 to 2.0 mg (0.2 to 2.0 percent by weight), preferably 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 1.0, 1.2, 1.4, 1.6, or 1.8 mg GTN, 40 to 70 mg (40 to 70 percent by weight), preferably 45, 50, 55, 60, or 65 mg, propellant, and 30 to 60 mg (30 to 60 percent by weight), preferably 35, 40, 50, or 55 mg, of a suitable solvent. Preferred solvents in the propellant sprays are isopropanol, ethanol, n-pentane, propylene glycol, water, medium-chain triglycerides and mixtures thereof. As further additives, 0.01 to 2 mg (0.01 to 2 percent by weight) of a suitable preservative and/or fragrances or scents may be added to the composition. For example, n-butane, isobutane, and propane as well as mixtures thereof are suitable as propellants. Dimethyl ether and monochloroethane as well as noncombustible propellants such as hydrofluoroalkanes 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane (HFA 227) or 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (HFA 134a) may also be used.

Pump sprays preferred according to the invention comprise aqueous, oily or alcoholic solutions of the active substance, which in addition to 0.2 to 2.0, preferably 0.3 to 0.6, percent by weight GTN contain 30 to 50 percent by weight water, or 30 to 80 percent by weight of an alcoholic solvent. Preferred quantities of GTN in the pump sprays according to the invention are 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 1.0, 1.2, 1.4, 1.6, or 1.8 percent by weight. Preferred quantities of water in the aqueous solutions are 35, 40, or 45 percent by weight, while preferred quantities of alcoholic solvents in the alcoholic solutions are 40, 50, 60 or 70 percent by weight. Further ingredients in aqueous solutions are alcoholic solvents, which are contained in a quantity of 20 to 70 percent by weight, preferably in a quantity of 30, 40, 50, or 60 percent by weight. The solutions may also contain 20 to 30 percent by weight, preferably 22, 24, 26, or 28 percent by weight, glycerol, 5 to 25 percent by weight, preferably 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, or 23 percent by weight, propylene glycol, 5 to 25 percent by weight, preferably 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, or 24 percent by weight medium-chain triglycerides (e.g., C₆-C₁₂ saturated fatty acid triglycerides), 5 to 15 percent by weight, preferably 6, 8, 10, 12, or 14 percent by weight triglycerol diisostearate, diethylene glycol monoethylether, or mixtures thereof, and 0.15 to 2.5 percent by weight menthol and/or eucalyptus oil. Suitable alcoholic solvents contain alcohols with 2 to 4 carbon atoms, ethanol and isopropanol or mixtures thereof being particularly suitable. In addition, the solutions can optionally contain a buffer, such as sodium lactate, disodium monohydrogen phosphate, sodium phosphate and calcium stearate in a quantity of less than 0.5% by weight as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,872,049.

Gels preferred for the use according to the invention contain 0.5 to 2 percent by weight, preferably 0.6, 0.8, 1.0, 1.2, 1.4, 1.6, or 1.8 percent by weight, GTN, 70 to 95 percent by weight, preferably 75, 80, or 90 percent by weight, of a medium-chain triglyceride marketed, for example, under the name Miglyol® 812, 2 to 6 percent by weight silica, 2 to 12 percent by weight ethanol, and optionally 0.01 to 2 percent by weight of a fragrance and/or scent.

A suitable ointment within the meaning of the invention contains 0.2 to 2.0 percent by weight, preferably 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.8, 1.0, 1.4, 1.6, or 1.8 percent by weight GTN, 2 to 10 percent by weight of a suitable medium-chain triglyceride (Miglyol® 812 or 840, for example), and 90 to 98 percent by weight of a water-free ointment base such as lanolin alcohol ointment, white Vaseline, or semisolid hard fat, for example.

For preparing the compositions according to the invention GTN is preferably used as stabilized concentrates in a liquid carrier such as propylene glycol or medium-chain triglycerides.

In some embodiments, a method is provided of accelerating healing of edema by contacting an external surface at the site of the edema with a composition that includes: glyceryl trinitrate in a quantity between about 0.2 percent by weight and about 2.0 percent by weight; a medium chain triglyceride and an alcohol, wherein the medium chain triglyceride and the alcohol are mixed in a ratio of about 10:90 to about 90:10; a component for enhancing penetration of the external surface by glyceryl trinitrate in a quantity between about 5.0 percent by weight and about 20 percent by weight; and, optionally, water. The external surface at the site of the edema is contacted with an amount of composition effective to accelerate healing of the edema when the skin at the external surface is unbroken. The composition can be in the form of a pump spray solution. The medium chain triglyceride can be a triglyceride of plant or semi-synthetic origin, a saturated C8 to C12 fatty acid triglyceride, a saturated C6 to C12 fatty acid triglyceride, or a combination of any two or more of the foregoing. In various embodiments, the alcohol is isopropanol and/or the component for enhancing penetration is triglyceroldiisostearate.

In some embodiments, a method is provided of accelerating healing of edema by contacting an external surface at the site of the edema with a composition that includes: glyceryl trinitrate in a quantity between about 0.2 percent by weight and about 2.0 percent by weight; at least one solvent; a component for enhancing penetration of the external surface by glyceryl trinitrate in a quantity between about 5.0 percent by weight and about 20 percent by weight; and, optionally, water. The external surface at the site of the edema is contacted with an amount of composition effective to accelerate healing of the edema when the skin at the external surface is unbroken. The composition can be in the form of a pump spray solution. In some embodiments, the solvent can be selected from propylene glycol, isopropanol, and combinations of the foregoing, and/or the component for enhancing penetration can be diethylene glycol monoethyl ether.

The compositions disclosed herein are useful for treating, alleviating and/or diminishing the formation of edemas, thereby resulting in significant acceleration of the corresponding healing process. Healing progress can be assessed by monitoring tissue volume, subcutaneous microcirculation (e.g., at a tissue depth of 2 mm to 8 mm), post capillary venous filling pressure, capillary blood flow, blood flow velocity, and oxygen saturation in the area of the affected tissue. These are characteristic data of the proportion of the local blood supply compared to the total volume and a proper means for describing venous stasis, ischemia and hyperemia.

Unless stated otherwise, percent by weight always refers to the weight of the composition.

The present invention is described in greater detail with reference to the following examples.

EXAMPLE 1 Propellant Spray

Ingredient Quantity in g Propellant: Isobutane/n- 50 butane/propane* n-Pentane 20 Absolute ethanol 29.4 GTN 0.6 *For example, in the following molar ratios: 14.83:29, 75:55.42

EXAMPLE 2 Propellant Spray

Ingredient Quantity in g Propellant: Isobutane/n- 70 butane/propane* Absolute ethanol 29.4 GTN 0.6 *For example, in the following molar ratios: 14.83:29, 75:55.42

EXAMPLE 3 Propellant Spray

Ingredient Quantity in g Propellant: Isobutane/n- 50 butane/propane* Absolute ethanol 49 Menthol 0.7 GTN 0.3 *For example, in the following molar ratios: 14.83:29, 75:55.42

EXAMPLE 4 Propellant Spray

Ingredient Quantity in g Dimethyl ether 50 Water 20 Propylene glycol 29.7 GTN 0.3

EXAMPLE 5 Propellant Spray

Ingredient Quantity in g Monochloroethane 50 Eucalyptus oil 0.5 Absolute ethanol 49.2 GTN 0.3

EXAMPLE 6 Propellant Spray

Ingredient Quantity in g Propellant: n-butane/ 50.0 propane* Isopropanol 29.4 Medium-chain 20.0 triglycerides** GTN 0.6 *For example in the following molar ratios: 46.10:53.90 **Trade name: Miglyol ® 812

For preparation of the compositions according to Examples 1 through 6, the GTN was first dissolved in the respective solvents, while stirring. The additional excipients were then added, and the solution was stirred until homogeneous. The solution was filled into suitable containers which were then sealed. The pressure-liquefied propellants were then added via the valves.

EXAMPLE 7 Pump Spray

Ingredient Quantity in g Water 30 Isopropanol 32.4 Eucalyptus oil 2 Absolute ethanol 35 GTN 0.6

EXAMPLE 8 Pump Spray

Ingredient Quantity in g Water 45 Absolute ethanol 46 Propylene glycol 8 Menthol 0.5 Eucalyptus oil 0.2 GTN 0.3

EXAMPLE 9 Pump Spray

Ingredient Quantity in g Medium-chain 22.7 triglycerides* Ethanol 76 Menthol 0.7 GTN 0.6 *Trade name: Miglyol ® 812

EXAMPLE 10 Pump Spray

Ingredient Quantity in g Water 40 Absolute ethanol 31.45 Menthol 0.2 Glycerol 27.6 Eucalyptus oil 0.15 GTN 0.6

EXAMPLE 11 Pump Spray

Ingredient Quantity in g Medium-chain 19.4 triglycerides* Isopropanol 70 Triglyceroldiisostearate 10 GTN 0.6 *Trade name: Miglyol ® 812

EXAMPLE 12 Pump Spray

Ingredient Quantity in g Propylene glycol 21.4 Isopropanol 68 Diethylene glycol 10 monoethylether* GTN 0.6 *Trade name: Transcutol P

For preparation of the spray solutions according to Examples 7 through 12, the active substance was first dissolved in the solvent. The water and the other excipients were then added, and the solution was stirred until homogeneous. The solution was filled into suitable spray bottles.

EXAMPLE 13 Oleogel

Ingredient Quantity in g Highly dispersed silica 36.0 Medium-chain 794.0 triglycerides* Absolute ethanol 50.0 Eucalyptus oil 10.0 GTN 10.0 *Trade name: Miglyol ® 812

EXAMPLE 14 Ointment

Ingredient Quantity in g GTN 0.2 Medium-chain 3.8 triglycerides Anhydrous ointment 96.0 base** *Trade name: Miglyol ® 812 **For example, lanolin alcohol ointment, white Vaseline, or semisolid hard fat (Softisan ® 378, for example) may be used as bases.

EXAMPLE 15

A 30-year-old male patient with a fracture of the forearm, in which a hematoma associated with post-traumatic edema developed in the vicinity of the fracture site, was initially treated after immobilization of the arm on the affected area of the skin with 6 to 8 spray bursts, containing 100 mg each, of the formulation according to Example 9. The treatment was continued for 4 hours with administration of 3 to 4 spray bursts every 30 minutes, corresponding to an administered quantity of 1.8 to 2.4 mg GTN per application. The treatment was continued, including the second day after the start of treatment, with reduced frequency of application. It was observed that the dark blue coloration of the skin which usually occurs in hematomas was not present, and the traumatic swelling, which normally takes up to one week to subside, disappeared within two days, thus allowing an early surgical procedure on the fracture. The patient experienced no side effects, in particular no headaches.

Consequently, the topical administration of a composition containing GTN advantageously reduces the extend and degree of traumatic edema, reduces the period needed for the detumescence of a traumatic edema and a accompanying hematoma and thus effectively supports, e.g., the healing of a bone fracture, in so far as a necessary surgery be conducted at an earlier point of time. Since the typical coloration associated with a traumatic edema was not observed, moreover, an acceleration of biochemical processes associated with the formation and healing of a traumatic edema and a corresponding hematoma can be postulated.

EXAMPLE 16

Based on the preliminary clinical data an animal study will be performed to evaluate soft tissue restitution under topical application of GTN at a heavy soft tissue trauma using a rat model.

Both the clinical and the microcirculatory changes of soft tissue regeneration are examined, particularly with regard to post-traumatic edema and hematoma, after traumatic soft tissue injury. A standardized animal (rat) model of severe closed soft tissue injury is used. On the basis of this model new therapeutic options for soft tissue restitution after application of nitroglycerin and its effects on microcirculation of the skeletal muscle and the surrounding soft tissue after a severe closed soft tissue trauma can be evaluated.

The following observations are undertaken:

-   -   1. Clinical examination of soft tissue restitution, particularly         with regard to the formation, and the healing of the traumatic         edema and hematoma, under topical application of nitroglycerin         after traumatization.     -   2. Characterization of the effect of the topical application of         nitroglycerin after soft tissue traumatization on the         microcirculation of the skin and the skeletal muscles with the         aid of combined laser Doppler technique and tissue         photospectrometry.

This study is performed in two phases. First, the effects of two different formulations containing the NO-donor nitroglycerin on microcirculation, particularly on the post-capillary venous filling pressure, in a tissue depth of 2 and 8 mm compared to a placebo solution are examined.

Second, the soft tissue restitution is evaluated after severe soft tissue trauma under standardized conditions. The healing processes of animals treated with a nitroglycerin formulation are compared to those treated with a placebo solution.

It is expected that topical application of nitroglycerin results in a positive effect on soft tissue restitution, particularly with respect to the formation and the healing of traumatic edemas and hematomas, resp. Without wishing to be bound by theory, such an effect could be explained by the vasodilatating properties of nitroglycerin and nitric oxide (NO), resp., e.g. by an increase of post-capillary venous drainage.

Study Design:

Both phases of the study are designed as experimental double-blind, placebo-controlled, and randomized investigations in an animal model.

The effect of a topically applied nitroglycerin formulation on the formation and healing of edemas and hematomas is investigated, and the microcirculation in a tissue depth of 2 mm and 8 mm of traumatized soft tissue of the lower leg of rats is compared to placebo. The primary endpoint is the evaluation of edema and hematoma of the lower leg of the rat by daily measuring the volume of the lower leg and by inspecting the leg visually over a period of 14 days after the injury. Moreover a daily photo documentation of the healing process is carried out.

As secondary endpoints the parameters of the microcirculation in 2 mm and 8 mm tissue depth are determined, these are the post capillary venous filling pressure, the capillary blood flow, the blood flow velocity, and the oxygen saturation of the tissue. These are characteristic data of the proportion of the local blood supply compared to the total volume and a proper means for describing venous stasis, ischemia and hyperemia. The dimensions of these parameters are defined as arbitrary units.

Study Medication:

Two nitroglycerin formulations and their respective placebo solutions serve as study medication. They are characterized as a non polar formulation according to example 11 and a more polar formulation according to example 12.

Animals:

Male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing between 250 and 300 g.

Measurement Device:

The microcirculation is determined in a non-invasive manner by the device Oxygen-to-see (O2C, LEA Medizintechnik, Gieβen, Germany). This device combines the laser Doppler technique with tissue spectrophotometry and determines the relative blood flow, the blood flow velocity, the relative amount of hemoglobin, and the oxygen amount of the hemoglobin simultaneously in two tissue depths (2 and 8 mm) in real time.

Test Procedure:

After arrival the animals are acclimatized for 7 days prior to the study. Throughout the whole study the animals have unrestricted access to fresh water and dry food. A 12/12 hours light and darkness cycle is maintained. The animals are kept according to the appropriate guidelines. During examination the animals are anesthetized.

1. Study Phase

The animals are allocated to the trial medication and the treatment scheme in a randomized way. The treatment algorithm is based on Williams' square. In this design each treatment occurs only once in every sequence and in every period. In this order of treatments a possible period effect is balanced in an optimal manner. An exemplary design of the trial for four days is given in the following table:

Period Sequence day 1 day 2 day 3 day 4 1 A B C D 2 B D A C 3 C A D B 4 D C B A A Polar nitroglycerin preparation B Non-polar nitroglycerin preparation C Placebo of the polar preparation D Placebo of the non-polar preparation

The preparations are pipetted to the healthy skin of the left hind shank of the rats. At time 0 (before the application of the preparations) a baseline measurement is carried out followed by repeated measurements starting 30 seconds until 30 minutes after application. The microcirculation of the skin of the living rat is analysed using the Oxygen-to-see device (see above). Only one daily treatment with the preparations is carried out assuring a wash-out period of 24 hours. Thus any carry-over-effect can be excluded.

2. Study Phase

-   -   1. Group: Control group, trauma, topical application of placebo,         measurement of the microcirculation with the Oxygen-to-see         device, clinical evaluation     -   2. Group: Treatment group, trauma, topical application of         nitroglycerin formulation, measurement of the microcirculation         with the Oxygen-to-see device, clinical evaluation

The animals are anesthetized and the left hind legs are shaved. The biometric data of the left shank are determined as baseline value for the clinical trauma evaluation. After fixation of the shank a baseline measurement of the microcirculation in the predefined area of the antero-lateral shank compartment for 2 minutes is carried out. After that a defined beat to the middle part of the antero-lateral compartment of the left shank is applied using the Controlled Impact Injury Technique with a gas-powered metal bolt (diameter: 1 cm, velocity 7 m/s, time of contact with the tissue: 1 s). A severe blunt, but closed tissue injury (no fracture, no perforation of the skin) is formed with this established method. Directly thereafter the measurement of the microcirculation with the Oxygen-to-see device is repeated for 5 minutes in all groups.

The test animals are set back to their cages and wake up from the narcosis. Three hours later the first clinical evaluation of the trauma is accomplished and the topical application of either the nitroglycerin formulation in the therapeutic group or placebo in the control group resp. to the traumatized area with a pump spray is carried out. The treatment is continued three times a day with three hour intervals for two weeks. Every day before the first treatment the extent of edemas and hematomas is documented by photography, the volume of the shank is examined by archimedic volumetry, the skin tolerance is evaluated, and the microcirculation is measured with the Oxygen-to-see device.

It is expected that the treatment of the animals with the compositions and methods of the present invention will alleviate and/or diminish the formation of a traumatic edema resulting in a significant acceleration of the corresponding healing process followed a traumatic edema and/or the corresponding hematoma. It is further expected that one or more of the clinical endpoints will be improved, thereby showing the effectiveness of the preparations.

The aspects, embodiments, features and examples of the invention are to be considered illustrative in all respects and are not intended to limit the invention, the scope of which is only defined by the claims. Other embodiments, modifications, and usages will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing the spirit and the scope of the claimed invention.

Throughout the application, where compositions are described as having, including, or comprising specific components, or where processes are described as having, including or comprising specific process steps, it is contemplated that compositions of the present teachings also consist essentially of, or consist of, the recited components, and that the processes of the present teachings also consist essentially of, or consist of, the recited process steps.

In the application, where an element or component is said to be included in and/or selected from a list of recited elements or components, it should be understood that the element or component can be any one of the recited elements or components and can be selected from a group consisting of two or more of the recited elements or components.

The use of the terms “include,” “includes,” “including,” “have,” “has,” or “having” should be generally understood as open-ended and non-limiting unless specifically stated otherwise.

The use of the singular herein includes the plural (and vice versa) unless specifically stated otherwise. Moreover, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural forms unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In addition, where the use of the term “about” is before a quantitative value, the present teachings also include the specific quantitative value itself, unless specifically stated otherwise. As used herein, the term “about” refers to a ±10% variation from the nominal value, unless otherwise stated.

It should be understood that the order of steps or order for performing certain actions is immaterial so long as the present teachings remain operable. Moreover, two or more steps or actions may be conducted simultaneously.

Where a range or list of values is provided, each intervening integer and, where appropriate, decimal between the endpoints of that range or list of values is individually contemplated and is encompassed within the invention as if each value were specifically enumerated herein. In addition, smaller ranges between and including the endpoints of a given range are contemplated and encompassed within the invention. The listing of exemplary values or ranges is not a disclaimer of other values or ranges between and including the endpoints of a given range. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method of diminishing the formation of a traumatic edema comprising the step of: applying topically to the traumatic edema about 1.2 to 6 mg glyceryl trinitrate, wherein the traumatic edema is caused by the rupturing of small lymph and blood vessels, and further wherein the volume of the traumatic edema measured by archimedic volumetry post injury is reduced as compared with an untreated traumatic edema.
 2. The method of claim 1 further comprising applying to the traumatic edema, on a subsequent day, about 0.8 to 1.6 mg glyceryl trinitrate.
 3. A method of diminishing the formation of a traumatic edema comprising the step of: contacting a traumatic edema and an area adjacent to or in the vicinity of the traumatic edema with a composition comprising about 1.2 to 6 mg glyceryl trinitrate at about 0.2 to 2.0 percent by weight of glyceryl trinitrate in a suitable solvent, wherein the glyceryl trinitrate is administered topically, and wherein the traumatic edema is caused by the rupturing of small lymph and blood vessels, and further wherein the volume of the traumatic edema measured by archimedic volumetry post injury is reduced as compared with an untreated traumatic edema.
 4. The method of claim 3 wherein the composition further comprises at least one excipient.
 5. The method of claim 4 wherein the at least one excipient is selected from the group consisting of: medium-chain triglycerides, organic solvents, emulsifiers, water, propellants, preservatives, and penetration-assisting substances.
 6. The method of claim 3 wherein the composition is in the form of a propellant spray or a pump spray.
 7. The method of claim 6 wherein the composition is in the form of a propellant spray containing about 40 to 70 percent by weight of a propellant and about 30 to 60 percent by weight of a suitable solvent selected from the group consisting of: medium-chain triglycerides, water, ethanol, n-pentane, and propylene glycol, and mixtures thereof; in each case relative to the overall composition.
 8. The method of claim 7 wherein the composition further comprises a fragrance.
 9. The method of claim 3 wherein the composition is in the form of a pump spray further comprising about 30 to 50 percent by weight water and about 20 to 70 percent by weight of an alcoholic solvent; in each case relative to the overall composition.
 10. The method of claim 3 wherein the composition further comprises about 20 to 30 percent by weight glycerol, about 5 to 10 percent by weight propylene glycol, and about 0.15 to 4 percent by weight fragrance; in each case relative to the overall composition.
 11. The method of claim 3 wherein the composition further comprises about 30 to 80 percent by weight of isopropanol, about 5 to 25 percent by weight medium-chain triglycerides and about 5 to 15 percent by weight triglycerol diisostearate; in each case relative to the overall composition; and further wherein the composition is in the form of a pump spray.
 12. The method of claim 3 wherein the composition further comprises about 30 to 80 percent by weight of isopropanol, about 5 to 25 percent by weight propylene glycol, and about 5 to 15 percent by weight diethylene glycol monoethylether; in each case relative to the overall composition; and further wherein the composition is in the form of a pump spray.
 13. The method of claim 3 wherein the composition further comprises a buffer in a concentration of less than about 0.5 percent by weight; in each case relative to the overall composition.
 14. The method of claim 1 or 3 further comprising the step of re-applying topically to the traumatic edema about 1.2 to 6 mg glyceryl trinitrate on the day of injury.
 15. The method of claim 3 further comprising applying, on a subsequent day, about 0.8 to 1.6 mg glyceryl trinitrate. 